Name: Quinoa and Kale Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup dried quinoa; 1 cup water; 1 cup butternut squash ((diced)); 4 cups Baby kale; 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage; 2 tablespoons dried cranberries; 2 lemon ((juiced)); 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

This quinoa and kale salad recipe is a powerhouse of ingredients you should add to your weekly meal prep.

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Bowl of quinoa salad with kale and butternut squash.

The combination of all these ingredients in this salad is not only colorful and flavorful but it’s also packed with nutrition. Both quinoa and kale are nutrient-dense, and the addition of butternut squash, shredded cabbage, and dried cranberries add healthy fiber and vitamins.

Here’s What You Need for This High-Protein Quinoa Salad

Quinoa: There are different types of quinoa, but we used a tri-color quinoa
Kale: You can also swap this out with other greens such as arugula or spinach
Butternut squash: Another option is acorn squash or delicata squash
Red cabbage: We love the purple colors of red cabbage, but you can also use regular green cabbage
Dried cranberries: Feel free to use whatever dried fruit you have on hand such as raisins
Seasonings: We seasoned this salad with a homemade lemon honey dijon vinaigrette

Easy Steps to Make this Nutritious Kale Salad Recipe

Boil water in a pot and add the quinoa. Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat and let it simmer until it fully cooks.
Meanwhile, blend together the ingredients for the homemade salad dressing.
After the quinoa cooks, place it in a bowl and add the butternut squash, kale, shredded cabbage, and dried cranberries.
Pour in the dressing and mix it all together.

Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Meal Prep Tips for Quinoa and Kale Salad

Ingredient Tips: Feel free to add diced avocado for some healthy fat
Nuts: You can also add nuts for more protein such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans
To Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days

Quinoa and Kale Salad

Here's a tasty kale salad with quinoa tossed in a homemade vinaigrette dressing.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Course lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings

Equipment

knife
cutting board
mixing bowls
boiling pot

Ingredients

Quinoa

1/3 cup dried quinoa
1 cup water

Salad Components

1 cup butternut squash (diced)
4 cups Baby kale
1/4 cup shredded red cabbage
2 tablespoons dried cranberries

Salad Dressing

2 lemon (juiced)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Quinoa

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a boiling pot. Add the quinoa and lower the heat to medium. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes. After it cooks, fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Salad Dressing

In a mixing bowl, add the juice of two lemons with olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, and the seasonings. Whisk together until the dressing is well blended.

Salad Assembly

In a bowl, add the butternut squash, quinoa, kale, shredded red cabbage, and dried cranberries.
Pour over the dressing and mix all the components together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you serve this quinoa salad cold or hot?

You’ll want to let the quinoa cool before you mix it in with the other salad ingredients.

Is kale salad good for weight loss?

Kale is a nutrient-dense food that is a good source of fiber and protein which helps you keep full longer.

Can you eat quinoa raw?

It’s best to cook the dried quinoa prior to eating it, because it may cause digestive comfort, plus it tastes better!

Quinoa and Kale Salad

Here’s What You Need for This High-Protein Quinoa Salad

Easy Steps to Make this Nutritious Kale Salad Recipe

Meal Prep Tips for Quinoa and Kale Salad